Nepal’s absolute best restaurant!!!

After wandering through Kathmandu, Lumbini, and Pokhara, trying dozens of restaurants, only this one made me willingly "settle" in Bhaktapur—it’s tucked in an alley of the old town, steps from Durbar Square. The sign is unassuming, but a plate of chilli chicken hooked me into eating here for three straight days, and I even made a special trip back for a fourth meal before leaving. Calling it "Nepal’s absolute best" isn’t an exaggeration; after all, getting someone who craves new flavors daily to keep coming back says it all ✨ 🌶️ Chilli Chicken: A Divine Blend of Nepali and Chinese Cuisine, a Hit at First Bite Walking into the restaurant the first time was pure chance. Tired from wandering the old town’s stone paths, I ducked into a small shop with warm light. The owner, a local uncle with glasses, smiled and recommended "try chilli chicken." I was shocked when it arrived: a enamel plate piled with glossy chicken pieces, coated in bright red sauce, sprinkled with green onions and sesame seeds. The familiar aroma hit me instantly—it was the smoky scent of Chinese stir-fry, mixed with the warmth of Nepali spices, waking up my appetite at once. The first bite was stunning: the chicken skin had a slight crispy char, while the meat inside was tender and juicy. The sauce was the star! Unlike the heavy curry of traditional Nepali dishes, it had that "wok hei" (breath of the wok) from Chinese cooking, balancing sweet and spicy perfectly. There was a hint of Sichuan peppercorn tingle on the tongue, but it never overshadowed the chicken’s freshness. Mixed with Nepali white rice, the sauce soaked into every grain—three bowls later, I still couldn’t stop 😋 Later, I learned the owner had worked in a Chinese restaurant blending Chinese stir-fry techniques into Nepali dishes. The chilli chicken uses local chilies and Chinese soy sauce, keeping the base of Nepali spices while adding that "wok hei" from Chinese cooking. No wonder it tasted so familiar. Even my spice-averse friend kept grabbing bites, saying "this spiciness is gentle—so fragrant you’ll want to lick the plate" 🌶️ 💰 500 Rupees for a Feast: The "Value King" in the Old Town I’d expected (scenic area) restaurants to be overpriced, but was shocked at checkout: a plate of chilli chicken, a vegetable curry, two bowls of rice, and two fresh juices cost just over 500 rupees (about 25 RMB). The owner laughed and said "old town folks are honest—no tricking tourists." Later, I realized it was true: portions are generous, the vegetable curry has potatoes (stewed) soft and fluffy, and the juice is fresh mango, thick enough to coat the glass. Compared to similar meals in Pokhara, it’s nearly half the price with way better flavor. No wonder local students and porters love it—during meal times, the small shop is packed, with people chatting in Nepali over the smell of food, feeling as cozy as eating at a neighbor’s house. 👨🍳 The Owner’s "Warm Touches": More Heartwarming Than the Food The shop has just three wooden tables, with a handwritten menu on the wall. The owner doubles as the waiter, rushing around but always smiling. His thoughtfulness stood out: First visit, he handed me a slip with the WiFi password as soon as I sat down, saying in English "free, take your time"; Second day, before I could speak, he asked "chilli chicken again?" Nodding, I noticed he snuck extra green onions when turning away; After the fourth meal, he stuffed a small bag of local dried chillies into my hand: "take it, cook at home, like here." A Japanese tourist at the next table said she’d been recommended by a friend: "Stayed in Bhaktapur five days, came here every day." Turns out this place is a secret spot for "in-the-know travelers"—no (internet-famous) hype, just flavor and honesty, turning passersby into regulars. On the day I left Bhaktapur, sunlight heated the old town’s brick cracks. Sitting in the shop for one last chilli chicken, the owner wiped tables at the door, saying "next time, bring friends." Suddenly, I realized the most precious part of travel isn’t checking off attractions, but finding such a "favorite restaurant": hidden in daily life, hooking you back with a hot meal, making a strange city feel like home. If you go to Bhaktapur, promise me to find it—it’s in an alley near Durbar Square. Follow the smell, and you won’t miss it. After all, how many restaurants make you visit four times? Rare enough to cherish ❤️ #NepalTravel #Bhaktapur #NepaliFood #OldTownEats #FoodieGuide